Free

He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul.

—Psalm 23:2b-3a NKJV

When life rages I feel you beckoning me to quiet. You call me from that place which tears my heart to shreds. You call me gently, but firmly, away from my own self-destruction.  I have craved peace. I have longed for its escape, but I could never find it in the midst of my pain. I could never find it in the rush of endless emotion. Fear rises to threaten—to drown me in its swirling vortex—to starve my very soul. Yet the allure of your presence never lessens, but entices my body, mind, and spirit to come to you. I’m drawn to your stillness—to your place of rest. I allow you to lead me beside your still water. Your quietness encompasses me. I feel your presence pulling me away from my harried existence. Tentatively I reach for your promise. Your promise is great, but my faith is lacking. I still reach. I still believe. I hold on because you promise joy. You promise peace. In the stillness I find you. You breathe your own life into my dry bones. The things which have owned my life are no more. Even if I tried I couldn’t remember their worry—their fear—their despair. In this quiet moment where my spirit and your spirit are as one, I’m comforted—I’m filled—I’m lifted—I’m healed—I’m renewed. You restore my soul. Only you are here with me and in me. Nothing more. Nothing less. I am free.

©2017 Lynn Lacher